Thomas “Tom” Franklin Duke, Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Franklin Duke, Jr., age 77, of Rocky Point, NC passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

He was born on October 16, 1942 in Stanly County, NC to the late Thomas Franklin Duke, Sr. and Vesta Marie (Allen) Duke.

Thomas moved to Wilmington in 1978 with Bill Browning to open Browning Tire. He got the nickname “The Tire Man” and he was a great salesman. In 1994, Thomas left Browning Tire to go into business with his son, Chad Duke, and his wife, Tracey. They opened Duke’s Tire Pros with Thomas as the principle owner. He was also a member of The Son’s of Confederate Veterans and Jaycees of Wilmington. Thomas loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also loved to cookout and visit Moores Creek National Battlefield. He was happiest when he was in Cedar Hill, NC.

Left to remember him are his wife, Deborah (Wilkins) Duke; sons, Scott Duke and wife, Linda, Eric Duke and wife, Laura, Chad Duke and wife, Tracey, Shane Duke and wife, Kristi, and Curtis Wilkins; daughters, Patricia Johnson and Laura Wilkins; thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and his cousin, Lennox Allen Eward, who was like a brother to him.

Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Robert Duke; and his brothers, Jerl Duke and Allen Duke.

A memorial service will be held at Cedar Hill United Methodist Church, 11315 Pinkston River Road, Wadesboro, NC on Saturday, July 18 at 1:00pm with Pastor Robert Burr officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Cedar Hill United Methodist Church.

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